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What buildings and spaces were included in Trajanās Forum?
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Trajan
Trajan, detail of a marble bust; in the British Museum.
Commissioned by the emperor Trajan and designed by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, Trajanās Forum was a massive complex measuring approximately 920 by 620 feet. The site included the following key features:
- Triple Gateway: The primary entrance to the complex.1
- Colonnaded Open Space: A large, paved courtyard lined with merchantsā booths.1
- Exedrae: The forum was flanked by two semicircular, colonnaded structures.1
- Basilica Ulpia: A large public building situated opposite the main gateway.1
- Trajanās Column: Located beyond the basilica, this monument features a spiral band of relief sculpture depicting the emperorās military campaigns in Dacia. The columnās base contains a chamber that served as Trajanās tomb.12
The forum was designed to be an enclosed space, separated from thoroughfares by gates, and served as a center for religious and secular activities.1